You never know when a simple conversation is going to transform into a spectacular idea that additionally evolves into a strong, viable business plan and ultimately a destination attraction. That is essentially the story-line behind what has become 12 Corners Vineyards.
A small group of friends who wanted to create a winery that not only showcased the agricultural area, but at the same time was accommodating to tastes across the board has dramatically crafted a major presence on the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail. Tomorrow, they celebrate their fourth year anniversary at the vineyards in Benton Harbor.
Fans of 12 Corners are invited to join the celebration featuring food, music, vineyard tours, and of course, great wines from the 12 Corners collection.
Once the concept for 12 Corners Vineyards was on paper, the partners purchased their property, which was originally a peach farm and transformed a 115 acre hilltop property facing I-94 and I-196 into 30 acres of wine grapes, a cellar that holds 20,000 gallons and a tasting room that can fit 50 people in a tasting at once.
The actual name “12 Corners” comes from the geographic area that consists of the three roads, Benton Center Road, Hicks Avenue, and Red Arrow Highway that all intersect, creating 12 corners.
12 Corners Vineyards started with a tasting room in South Haven which opened in November of 2012, then the Benton Harbor tasting room opened in June of 2013, and Grand Haven opened in December of 2013. The brand continues to expand into cider, continues to increase volumes of wine, and expand into new territories for distribution.
Vineyard tours on the wino-wagon, will be accepting people as walk-in availability out by the gazebo, at 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00pm tomorrow. The wino-wagon seats 14 people at a time.
The Maine Dish food truck from Grand Rapids will be offering food from noon to 7pm. They offer a delicious assortment of east coast favorites like, lobster rolls, crabcakes, shrimp tacos, and lobster mac n’ cheese. If, perchance, seafood isn’t your food of choice, The Maine Dish also has comfort food choices like regular mac n’ cheese, and black bean and butternut squash tacos. Check out their full menu and other locations that they go to at themainedish.kitchen or search them on Facebook @themainedishfoodtruck.
In addition to food and vineyard tours, DJ Mighty Quinn out of Valparaiso, Indiana will be deejaying outside from noon to 7pm, playing great songs to dance to, and he also accepts requests.
If your social calendar calls for fun and friends, make a plan to head out to Benton Harbor’s only estate winery and take in all the sights, sounds, and naturally tastes for this milestone for 12 Corners Vineyards.
The spectacular photo of 12 Corners Vineyards accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of Johanna Froese.
